17
Nov
Opinion: Peter Brown
Ranked: Top 25 Players in NBL25
Bryce Cotton of the Wildcats warms up before the round nine NBL match between Perth Wildcats and South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena, on November 15, 2024, in Perth, Australia. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images
NBL25's 25 best players in the league right now
Whenever Bryce Cotton is on the floor he's the best player in the NBL. His resume speaks for itself: 3× NBL champion; NBL Cup winner; 2× NBL Grand Final MVP); 4× NBL Most Valuable Player; 3× NBL Fans MVP; 7× All-NBL First Team; and 7× NBL scoring champion.
But he's got company. Nine rounds into NBL25, these are the best 25 players in the league, ranked. It's hard to argue against James Batemon rocketing into the top 25 after his blistering 51-point game against the Perth Wildcats but he's still just on the bubble. Another bucket-getting monster and he'll be shooting up the chart with a Bullet(s).
1. Bryce Cotton (Perth Wildcats)
Position: Point Guard / Shooting Guard
Height: 182 cm
Weight: 76 kg
Birthdate: August 11, 1992
Nationality: American
Achievements: Four-time NBL MVP, three-time NBL champion, seven-time NBL scoring champion.
NBL25 Games 8; Minutes 30.2; FG% 39.4; 3PT% 42.3; FT% 78.7; Points 19.5; Rebounds 3.3; Assists 3.0; Steals 0.8; Blocks 0.3.
2. Xavier Cooks (Sydney Kings)
Position: Forward
Height: 203 cm
Weight: 92 kg
Birthdate: August 19, 1995
Nationality: Australian
Achievements: NBL champion, NBL Grand Final MVP, Australian Boomers representative.
Games 13; Minutes 26.9; FG% 59.6; 3PT% 41.7; FT% 63.2; Points 16.5; Rebounds 8.9; Assists 3.7; Steals 1.1; Blocks 1.1.
3. Parker Jackson-Cartwright (New Zealand Breakers)
Position: Point Guard
Height: 180 cm
Weight: 75 kg
Birthdate: July 12, 1995
Nationality: American
Achievements: Led European leagues in assists and steals.
NBL25 Games 10; Minutes 30.5; FG% 46.5; 3PT% 35.3; FT% 79.2; Points 18.6; Rebounds 3.7; Assists 7.4; Steals 2; Blocks 0.2.
4. Montrezl Harrell (Adelaide 36ers)
Position: Forward
Height: 201 cm (6 feet 7 inches)
Weight: 109 kg (240 lbs)
Birthdate: January 26, 1994
Nationality: American
Achievements: NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2020); Karl Malone Award (2015);NCAA Champion (2013)First-team All-AAC (2014)Second-team All-ACC (2015).
NBL25 Games 11; Minutes 30.2; FG% 56.3; 3PT% 28.6; FT% 64.4; Points 20.2; Rebounds 9.2; Assists 1.7; Steals 0.6; Blocks 1.2.
5. Chris Goulding (Melbourne United)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height: 192 cm
Weight: 92 kg
Birthdate: October 24, 1988
Nationality: Australian
Achievements: Three-time NBL champion, NBL Grand Final MVP, three-time All-NBL First Team.
NBL25 Games 14; Minutes 26.8; FG% 41.5; 3PT% 34.3; FT% 90.4; Points 18.1; Rebounds 1.6; Assists 1.6; Steals 0.4; Blocks 0.1.
6. Kendric Davis (Adelaide 36ers)
Position: Guard
Height: 183 cm
Weight: 82 kg
Birthdate: May 14, 1999
Nationality: American
Achievements: AAC Player of the Year in college.
NBL25 Games 11; Minutes 34.7; FG% 45.7; 3PT% 32.8; FT% 84; Points 20.9; Rebounds 3.5; Assists 6.6; Steals 1.7; Blocks 0.1.
7. Milton Doyle (Tasmania JackJumpers)
Position: Guard
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 82 kg
Birthdate: October 31, 1993
Nationality: American
Achievements: All-NBL First Team.
NBL25 Games 13; Minutes 34.4; FG% 35.8; 3PT% 34; FT% 72.5; Points 15.8; Rebounds 5.4; Assists 3.4; Steals 1.6; Blocks 0.3.
8. Jack White (Melbourne United)
Position: Forward
Height: 201 cm
Weight: 102 kg
Birthdate: August 5, 1997
Nationality: Australian
Achievements: NBL champion, Australian Boomers representative.
NBL25 Games 13; Minutes 25.4; FG% 50.7; 3PT% 38.9; FT% 63.4; Points 13.7; Rebounds 10.2; Assists 1.8; Steals 0.9; Blocks 0.9.
9. Trey Kell III (Illawarra Hawks)
Position: Guard
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 95 kg
Birthdate: April 5, 1996
Nationality: American
Achievements: FIBA Asia Cup MVP.
NBL25 Games 9; Minutes 27.8; FG% 44.9; 3PT% 29.8; FT% 81.1; Points 17; Rebounds 3; Assists 3.6; Steals 1; Blocks 0.1.
10. Matthew Hurt (South East Melbourne Phoenix)
Position: Forward
Height: 206 cm (6 feet 9 inches)
Weight: 106 kg (233 lbs)
Birthdate: April 20, 2000
Nationality: American
Achievements: First-team All-ACC (2021); ACC Most Improved Player (2021); McDonald's All-American (2019); Minnesota Mr. Basketball (2019); and Gold Medallist at FIBA Americas U18 Championship (2018)
NBL25 Games 13; Minutes 31.5; FG% 50.5; 3PT% 37.7; FT% 80.5; Points 19.5; Rebounds 6.9; Assists 1.2; Steals 0.8; Blocks 1.
11. Jaylen Adams (Sydney Kings)
Position: Point Guard
Height: 183 cm (6 feet 0 inches)
Weight: 84 kg (185 lbs)
Birthdate: May 4, 1996
Nationality: American
Achievements: NBL Most Valuable Player (2022); NBL Champion (2022); All-NBL First Team (2022); All-NBA G League First Team (2020); Atlantic 10 Co-Player of the Year (2018); and Three-time First-team All-Atlantic 10 (2016–2018).
NBL25 Games 10; Minutes 27.3; FG% 35.8; 3PT% 34; FT% 76.3; Points 13.5; Rebounds 3.8; Assists 6.1; Steals 2.6; Blocks 0.5.
12. Rob Edwards (Cairns Taipans)
Position: Guard
Height: 196 cm (6 feet 5 inches)
Weight: 95 kg (209 lbs)
Birthdate: January 20, 1997
Nationality: American
Achievements: Horizon League All-Freshman Team in 2016; Played in the NBA G League for teams including the Oklahoma City Blue, Wisconsin Herd, Cleveland Charge, Maine Celtics, and Delaware Blue Coats; Made two NBA appearances with the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2021–2022 season.
NBL25 Games 11; Minutes 31.6; FG% 44; 3PT% 45.7; FT% 72.2; Points 20.5; Rebounds 4; Assists 2.6; Steals 0.6; Blocks 0.2
13. Matthew Dellavedova (Melbourne United)
Position: Guard
Height: 191 cm
Weight: 91 kg
Birthdate: September 8, 1990
Nationality: Australian
Achievements: NBA champion, Australian Boomers representative.
NBL25 Games 12; Minutes 25.1; FG% 48.9; 3PT% 38.2; FT% 82.8; Points 10.8; Rebounds 2.7; Assists 6.6; Steals 0.3; Blocks 0.
14. Dejan Vasilijevic (Adelaide 36ers)
Position: Guard
Height: 190 cm
Weight: 91 kg
Birthdate: April 26, 1997
Nationality: Australian
Notable Achievements: Key contributor to back-to-back NBL championships with the Sydney Kings in 2022 and 2023; scored 42 points in a game against the South East Melbourne Phoenix in January 2023.
NBL25 Games 11; Minutes 33.3; FG% 39.5; 3PT% 37; FT% 82.6; Points 18.5; Rebounds 4.1; Assists 2.3; Steals 0.3; Blocks 0.1.
15. Nathan Sobey (South East Melbourne Phoenix)
Position: Guard
Height: 190 cm
Weight: 85 kg
Birthdate: July 14, 1990
Nationality: Australian
Achievements: All-NBL First Team, Australian Boomers representative.
NBL25 Games 13; Minutes 28.4; FG% 33.7; 3PT% 25; FT% 83; Points 13.8; Rebounds 4.1; Assists 4.3; Steals 1.3; Blocks 0.3.
16. Keanu Pinder (Perth Wildcats)
Position: Forward / Centre
Height: 205 cm
Weight: 100 kg
Birthdate: May 28, 1995
Nationality: Australian
Achievements: Two-time NBL Most Improved Player.
NBL25 Games 12; Minutes 22.7; FG% 49.6; 3PT% 29.7; FT% 75.5; Points 14.6; Rebounds 5.7; Assists 1; Steals 1.4; Blocks 0.4.
17. Sam Froling (Illawarra Hawks)
Position: Centre
Height: 213 cm
Weight: 104 kg
Birthdate: February 10, 2000
Nationality: Australian
Achievements: NBL Rookie of the Year.
NBL25 Games 11; Minutes 26.8; FG% 55.5; 3PT% 0; FT% 57.1; Points 13.8; Rebounds 6.4; Assists 2.4; Steals 1.1; Blocks 0.9.
18. Tyler Harvey (Illawarra Hawks)
Position: Guard
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 84 kg
Birthdate: July 17, 1993
Nationality: American
Achievements: Led the NBL in scoring during the 2020-2021 season; recognised for his shooting prowess and clutch performances.
NBL25 Games 11; Minutes 29.9; FG% 48.6; 3PT% 46.5; FT% 100; Points 17.3; Rebounds 2.2; Assists 2.6; Steals 1.3; Blocks 0.
19. Matt Mooney (New Zealand Breakers)
Position: Guard
Height: 190 cm
Weight: 86 k
Birthdate: February 7, 1997
Nationality: American
Achievements: Played in the NBA G League; recognised for his defensive capabilities and leadership on the court.
NBL25 Games 10; Minutes 29.5; FG% 43.2; 3PT% 39.4; FT% 91.3; Points 15.5; Rebounds 3; Assists 3.7; Steals 2.3; Blocks 0.1.
20. Keandre Cook (Brisbane Bullets)
Position: Guard
Height: 196 cm
Weight: 91 kg
Birthdate: May 6, 1997
Nationality: American
Achievements: Known for his scoring ability; a key addition to the Bullets' roster aiming to boost their offensive output.
NBL25 Games 10; Minutes 31.2; FG% 41.5; 3PT% 38.6; FT% 95.5; Points 16.7; Rebounds 3.7; Assists 2.7; Steals 1.9; Blocks 0.6.
21. Derrick Walton Jr. (South East Melbourne Phoenix)
Position: Guard
Height: 185 cm
Weight: 84 kg
Birthdate: April 3, 1995
Nationality: American
Achievements: Played in the NBA and EuroLeague; brings playmaking skills and experience to the Phoenix's backcourt.
NBL25 Games 8; Minutes 24.5; FG% 39; 3PT% N/A; FT% 100; Points 10.0; Rebounds 1.9; Assists 4.9; Steals 0.9; Blocks 0.1.
22. Will Magnay (Tasmania JackJumpers)
Position: Centre
Height: 208 cm
Weight: 104 kg
Birthdate: June 10, 1998
Nationality: Australian
Achievements: Known for his shot-blocking and defensive presence; played briefly in the NBA with the New Orleans Pelicans.
NBL25 Games 10; Minutes 25.6; FG% 61.5; 3PT% 37.5; FT% 67.2; Points 14; Rebounds 6.8; Assists 1.9; Steals 1.3; Blocks 1.5.
23. Cameron Oliver (Sydney Kings)
Position: Forward
Height: 203 cm
Weight: 107 kg
Birthdate: July 11, 1996
Nationality: American
Achievements: All-NBL Second Team.
NBL25 Games 13; Minutes 21; FG% 46.7; 3PT% 31.4; FT% 83.3; Points 12.6; Rebounds 6.9; Assists 1.5; Steals 0.8; Blocks 0.7.
24. Kristian Doolittle (Perth Wildcats)
Position: Forward
Height: 201 cm (6 feet 7 inches)
Weight: 104 kg (229 lbs)
Birthdate: October 19, 1997
Nationality: American
Achievements: Played for the University of Oklahoma Sooners from 2016 to 2020; Named to the All-Big 12 First Team in 2020; Began his professional career in 2020, playing for teams in Puerto Rico and France; Signed with the Perth Wildcats in September 2023 for the NBL24 season.
NBL25 Games 13; Minutes 31.8; FG% 44; 3PT% 19.5; FT% 85.7; Points 13.4; Rebounds 8.5
25. Jordan Crawford (Tasmania JackJumpers)
Position: Point Guard
Height: 168 cm (5 feet 6 inches)
Weight: 70 kg (154 lbs)
Birthdate: July 17, 1990
Nationality: American
Achievements: Attended Bowling Green State University, where he played for the Falcons from 2009 to 2013; in his senior year, he averaged 15.0 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game; Played all 37 games in the 2023–24 season, averaging over 16 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in an average of 30 minutes per game.
NBL25 Games 13; Minutes 29.6; FG% 37.8; 3PT% 26.7; FT% 79.4; Points 14.4; Rebounds 2.5; Assists 4; Steals 0.8; Blocks 0.2.
On the Bubble
- Tyrell Harrison (Brisbane Bullets): NBL25 Games 10; Minutes 26.0; FG% 58.1; 3PT% 0.0; FT% 75.0; Points 12.9; Rebounds 9.1; Assists 1.6; Steals 1.4; Blocks 0.9.
- Ian Clark (Melbourne United): NBL25 Games 14; Minutes 23.2; FG% 47.4; 3PT% 41.4; FT% 100; Points 13.9; Rebounds 2.4; Assists 1.4; Steals 0.4; Blocks 0.1.
- James Batemon (Brisbane Bullets): NBL25 Games 10; Minutes 26.2; FG% 51.7; 3PT% 51.7; FT% 56.3; Points 15.9; Rebounds 3.4; Assists 2.5; Steals 0.8; Blocks 0.2.
- Isaac Humphries (Adelaide 36ers): NBL25 Games 10; Minutes 22.7; FG% 55.6; 3PT% 0.0; FT% 59.1; Points 10.3; Rebounds 4.8; Assists 0.9; Steals 1.0; Blocks 1.2.
- Jonah Bolden (New Zealand Breakers): NBL25 Games 9; Minutes 20.5; FG% 47.0; FT% 75.0; Points 6.7; Rebounds 5.7; Assists 1.1; Steals 0.4; Blocks 0.3.
- Dylan Windler (Perth Wildcats): NBL25 Games 10; Minutes 26.4; FG% 40.4; 3PT% 35.4; FT% 81.3; Points 10.2; Rebounds 7.5; Assists 1.8; Steals 1.1; Blocks 0.6.
About the Author
Peter Brown is the head coach of the Sydney Comets Women’s Youth League team in the Waratah Basketball League in NSW. He is also the assistant coach for the Comets NBL1 women’s team in the NBL East Conference. Peter is a 30-year journalist, starting as a sports reporter at the NT News in the early 1990s. He played junior basketball for the Northern Territory at national championships from U16 to U20 and for the Territory’s senior men’s team at numerous international tournaments. Peter has been a basketball fan since the early 80s, especially the NBA. Basketball is his passion — and his opinions his own. Email peter.brown@basketball.com.au with feedback. Any email feedback on articles sent to Peter can be published on basketball.com.au for others to read.
